Permit guides › Kentucky
Kentucky concealed carry permit guide
Permitless carry Last verified November 1, 2026
Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Carry laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every requirement with the issuing agency before you apply or carry.
Permitless (constitutional) carry
Yes, for eligible adults 21+. 21+ and able to lawfully possess a firearm (KRS 237.109).
Permit types
- License to carry concealed deadly weapon (CCDW)
Issuing agency and how to apply
Kentucky State Police (through county sheriff)
Complete an approved course, then apply through your county sheriff.
Eligibility and minimum age
- Minimum age
- 21
- Eligibility
- Check with Kentucky State Police (through county sheriff)
Fees
- Resident (new)
- $60 ($20 sheriff plus $40 State Treasurer)
- Non-resident (new)
- Not applicable (no non-resident permit)
- Renewal
- Check with Kentucky State Police (through county sheriff)
Training requirements
Approved firearms safety course of no more than 8 hours including live fire and Kentucky law (KRS 237.110).
Processing time, validity and renewal
- Processing time
- KSP decides within 60 days of a paper application, or 15 business days for an electronic one (KRS 237.110)
- Valid for
- 5 years
Non-resident permits
Not available to non-residents. Issued to residents and qualifying active-duty military assigned to Kentucky.
Reciprocity
Kentucky honors out-of-state licenses from states on the KSP reciprocity list.
Sources
- wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/ccdw/ccdw-home/application/
- apps.legislature.ky.gov/LAW/STATUTES/statute.aspx?id=48601
- www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/ccdw-reciprocity
- apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/Statutes/statute.aspx?id=56567
Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.